First up this week is the latest from a longtime favourite of ours who is hopefully set to spend more time in the studio this year as the brilliant Reemah sets out her brand new tune, the equally sagacious 'Against It All'. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is STARVING for a new album from the Cruzan word champion and each and every time she sets out with a new release (as infrequent as it may be) she does nothing but add fuel to that fire. 'Against It All' does not become an exception as Reemah BLAZES as usual, this time along with Rymshot Music and the great Dean Pond.
"Ever bless and a respect overall
Wrong over right weh dem reject overall
It's just a vibe weh awaken overall
Cuz nuff a wolf inna sheep clothing overall"
"Ganja Farmer" by Marlon Asher [VAS Productions - 2026]
Someone who certainly hasn't been a stranger in the studio has been Trini burner, Marlon Asher, who just issued his most recent full length set, "Safe", last year. Well, the famed Ganja Farmer is back with a new EP release..... "Ganja Farmer", in celebration of the 20th anniversary of what remains his most popular song to date (I say all the time how fast it seems time flies; in this case it definitely does seem like it's been twenty years since 'Ganja Farmer' dropped. I'm almost surprised it hasn't been longer, actually). The seven track set features contributions from the likes of Masicka, Prince Swanny and Major Seven and it also carries a remastered version of its legendary namesake - and the general theme of all of the selections revolve around the same thing. I also HAVE to mention what I believe to be the single from "Ganja Farmer", 'Ganja Man', on which Marlon Asher taps the Ganjaville Riddim from our old friends at Oneness Records. That song is EXCELLENT!
"Winner" by Norris Man [Home And Away Music]
Many many moons ago, the great Norris Man released an album by the name of "Hey Woman". It was largely built on love songs and.... well.... well it was kinda terrible. It wasn't a good album. Earlier this year (on Valentine's Day), Norris Man thought he'd take another swipe at it with "Winner" and.... well.... I can't (I could) necessarily call it TERRIBLE but "Winner" is not a good album. One or two selections here (namely 'Doors Are Open' and maybe 'That Someone') prevent this one from being a complete lost but "Winner" isn't anything that you need to hear if you haven't already. I wasn't DYING for a new album from Norris Man and he's damn sure earned the right to do whatever he wants musically (and "Winner" is released on his own Home And Away label) but, again, "Winner" is no good.
Ziggi Recado
It seems as if I actually went quiet, for the most part, on the extraordinarily gifted Ziggi Recado. He'd turned in a few tunes that I wasn't particularly thrilled with and I didn't keep up with his output as well as I had in previous years. However, 2026 has seen a striking return to form and he's dropped a number of big tunes in its first half, alone. Arguably the biggest of them all is his WICKED latest (to my knowledge), 'One Step Forward' which I knew had the handiwork of the geniuses at Oneness Records even prior to my knowing that it was their production (I'[d recognize those horns ANYWHERE). 'One Step Forward' is brilliant and it's easily one of the finest tunes that I've heard from anyone so far this year. Ahead of that, Oneness also released the infectious 'Boom Meditation' which is another big tune (that riddim on that song is MAD!)... and you know where my mind is headed (keep making singles together...). A big new album from Recado would look LOVELY in the year's second half but until/unless then, we're all going to benefit from one of the genre's biggest talents seemingly on a course this year to destroy everything, everywhere with that quality.
Ziggi's also released a couple of songs via Nayamari Music (pretty sure that's his label), 'Same Realness' & 'Trod Straight'; both are solid but the latter, especially, is top notch.
The I:Rob Riddim [Mizik Muzik + Billionaire Bootcamp]
And this one kinda fits both in the current and past senses as it DELIGHTFULLY popped back up on my radars a month or so ago courtesy of a new compilation album release (and I was so DAMN happy about it that I nearly slapped a review on it). You'll have to go back two decades to when a tune by the name of 'Talk' by the talented Mr. Peppa became a sizable hit (and it's probably still his biggest hit right now). The tune was produced by Ward 21 and came atop their high-tech I:Rob Riddim. Who would have known that, in early 2026, the riddim would have a remastered compilation. That's exactly what I stumbled upon and have been KILLING ever since I noticed it. I'll give top honours to Peppa here but he most certainly was not alone in scoring on the I:Rob. Bounty Killer, Spragga Benz (whose trademark 'The Pusher' is excellent), the Ward themselves who take two shots at their riddim, Vybz Kartel and even Anthony B all turn in solid offerings (as does, to a lesser degree, Mad Cobra whose 'Red Eye' is just... very strange at times) on the I:Rob Riddim.
Okay so, that was 2025. I hope you liked it but if you didn't, there's nothing we can do about it now. It's over... on to the next! We had some very impressive releases from some expected and some unexpected stars to help make the year fun and, presumably (and hopefully), this time next year, we'll be saying the same for 2026. So we're already looking ahead to what the future might have to offer and to do that we're going to use a feature from back in da day. Today we assemble a group of ten individuals who we're hoping to hear from in the new year. Most Wanted 2026!
{Note: Names appear in no particular order}
{Note 2: I intentionally excluded people who I know have albums scheduled or are heavily rumoured to be releasing albums}
Anthony B
It was just 2023 when the great Anthony B released his most recent set, "Bread & Butter", so while the world isn't exactly starving for a new one from him just yet... it would be pretty nice considering the roll he's been on in recent times. I'm sure I'll say this in regards to someone else (if not everyone else) but, with the right producer, based on what he's been up t o lately, I think Anthony B's next album -- whenever we get it -- could be a contender for best of that year. Even at such an advanced and well grizzled stage in his career, the Original Fire Man appears to be well within reach of his prime. ANTHONY B! SHOW EVERYONE WHAT I MEAN AND DO AN ALBUM IN 2026! PLEASE.
Queen Omega
We're just coming up on the third anniversary of "Freedom Legacy", Queen Omega's most recent studio release but prior to that, a truly ridiculous FIFTEEN YEARS had elapsed in between records from her, which was entirely unacceptable. Three years is just fine in my opinion and the star of our Album of The Year for 2023 would look just fine making her return in 2026. In the summer or so I actually heard an interview (on a radio station in Toronto, I THINK) where the Queen said she was at work on her next album and I, of course, glued into that fact. She didn't say with whom she was working or give any type of timeframe for its potential release whatsoever but, if she does make an appearance next year, she could definitely do a lot for 2026.
Damian Marley
"Stony Hill" will turn eight years old next summer and one of the legit, bona fide superstars of the genre, Damian Marley, figures to be DUE for a new set any one of these years now (and I can recall hearing a rumour that he was coming with something late 2024, I believe) and one would think that he is actively at work on the next project. I always enjoy stressing the fact that, despite the most obvious thing about him -- he's Bob's son ["Tell mi which CD do you think dem get? Di one closest to di Bob Marley boxset"] -- Jr. Gong is a wizard. Lyrically, the man is virtually peerless and what he is capable of is downright special. Hearing a brand new performance of his talents is always a gift. Hopefully he brings gifts next year and I think he will.
Ras Batch
Without looking anything up, I would probably say that Ras Batch releasing an album in the next twelve months would be THE biggest surprise if everyone on this list were to do the same. The last time we heard from him would have been on "Rootz & Kulcha" from early 2017 and if you know anything about Batch, he pretty much likes to do his albums by himself. Of course there're exceptions (one in particular) but he generally keeps production in-house via his own Sound V.I.ZIon imprint. That's fine but I think if he could, somehow, get into that never endingly active mix of Trinity Farm Music (like other VI artists, Ancient King, Abja, Danny I and even Akae Beka) it would see the rather reclusive Ras Batch to a greater level of frequency... and he can bring Ras Attitude with him! I don't think it happens but stranger things have.
Sara Lugo
Finally (technically. I'm writing this one last but she won't be listed last), you knew she was coming. How about a new Sara Lugo album for the new year?! Recently returning to the familiar ground of Oneness Records, the now VETERAN singer (Sara Lugo's probably getting towards (if not already) forty years old (that is RIDICULOUS!)) (further research reveals that she just turned 38!) could definitely freshen up 2026 via dropping album #4. It's been a minute (and four and a half years) since "Flowaz" ["Bring me flowers!"], so she's also due (...for an album) any year now and 2026 seems as good as any. I'm actually going to predict that this one does happen in the new year. Maybe it comes from Oneness, maybe not, but I suspect Funky Comfort will reign in 2026!
Luciano
I could definitely be wrong and I probably am but, off the top of my head, I THINK that the most recent studio album that we got from the great Messenjah, Luciano, was 2020's Oneness produced GIANT, "The Answer". He's had re-releases, remasters, greatest hits and compilations since then but, as far as I can tell, not an actual new album since it (he had one called "Return Of The Chronicles" which was an odd R&Bish re-working of some of his biggest hits that was really hard to listen to). That's fucked up... it just is. Even if I'm forgetting one, hopefully one of the greatest voices this music has ever produced and one of its longest serving soldiers comes back to us in a characteristically BEAUTIFUL way in 2026.
Mark Wonder
There was an EP back in '23 called "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" but I think that the last full album from the GOLDEN Mark Wonder remains 2020's "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" (the man has been slaying dragons for a really long time). That album came from a very familiar source, Oneness Records and, not too long ago, Wonder appeared on their High Peak Riddim. I'm thinking that 2026 could be a very good time to get the old band back together again and see what could happen. What could happen has history as, way back in 2012 Wonder & Oneness teamed up on the aptly named "Working Wonders" which is, EASILY, one of THE best albums I have heard in my entire life. I think that it's time for a sequel ["WHO ELSE COULD IT BE?!"]. Will it actually happen??? I wouldn't bet on it.
Busy Signal
This one is very specific and I don't really think that it has a legit shot of happening but let me ask you something: How damn cool would it be if Busy Signal's next album came via the Zion I Kings?? Doesn't that sound pretty good?! Obviously, the thought arose as the well versatile Busy actually did cross paths with massive Reggae collective for a single, 'The Days', back in October. Now, if they could get together again.... this time for a full album, the results, just as the quality of the single would suggest, could be MASSIVE.
Jah Defender
Such a list from me these days HAS to include the currently flaming chanter from out of Trinidad, Jah Defender. Along with being quite active these days, he lays a giant claim to dropping THE single best tune that I heard in all of 2025 altogether 'Haile Selassie I', so of course I'm interesting in getting my hands on a full release in 2026. Magnifying matters is the fact that he's been doing a lot of work with one single outfit, House Of Riddim. I can DEFINITELY see HOR reaching with a full Jah Defender project in the new year and you know what? I think it WILL happen and if it does, at least on paper, this one will have Album of The Year potential in my opinion.
Reemah
I know that I said that these were listed in no order in particular but I specifically saved Reemah for last because she's probably my #1 in terms of how much I want it to happen. It has been a downright heinous soon-to-be eight years since her last set, "Breaking News", and... frankly I'm getting tired of waiting. This is some bullshit! Had I done this list last year or the year before, my prospects would have probably been higher. Today? Nope. I have none. I don't think this is happening. I do hope that I'm wrong but I'm not seeing one of the true, bona fide GENIUSES that we have today doing a new album in the new year. I'm just not.... but DAMN, I HOPE I'M WRONG!
Over again. It tends to be easier to remember certain things when there is a significant moment or occurrence tied to them. If I were to ask you what you remember about some random year that you lived through, perhaps you'd have something specific to say or perhaps not, but if I then reminded you that it was the same year that someone you knew died or that someone else was born, then maybe it might bring back waves and waves of specific instances that you could suddenly recall... because you now you have something in particular to give you a timeframe to attach them to. For example, do you remember 2002?? Musically speaking, in particular? No?? Okay. 2002 was the same year that Capleton and VP Records shipped "Still Blazin'" and had as all wondering if it were some kind of disrespectful to say the album was POSSIBLY as good as or even better than the album which preceded it, the all time great "More Fire" (over twenty years later, it wasn't disrespectful at all). Bring back any memories? No?? Okay, later that year Sizzla Kalonji would put to bed any rumours of his musical demise by giving us "Da Real Thing", providing a hint that the genius behind "Black Woman & Child" and "Praise Ye Jah" was alive and well and still burning. And just in case you needed anything more from the 2002, there was also an album released called "Dutty Rock", which would go to find its star, Sean Paul, and a few of his peers, taking over the entire world for a nice amount of time. There are periods like that which we live through and are fortunate for it but, even more interesting, there're also longer lasting stretches where.... things are just SO DAMN GOOD that it is important while you are in the moment to appreciate what it is that you have because you have enough life-experience to have lost things that you long for, that YOU KNOW are never coming back. Last year we reviewed an album which would go on to be one of the better of 2023 by the name of "Ah Mi Yard" by Achis Reggae favourite Perfect Giddimani. That set was excellent, although on the shorter side of things (had fourteen songs but really just seven with dubs for each one making the second seven) and, looking back to it now, it has aged quite well. A year on, there are two tunes in particular which stand out from "Ah Mi Yard", the title track (normally the case. Just like in the premise of this review, if I asked you what you recall about 'Ah Mi Yard", you're probably going to start singing 'Ah Mi Yard') and another one called 'Give Me My Flowers'. The latter of those two will likely always stick with me because I absolutely LOVE the sentiment behind it of giving someone their credit and their due WHILE THEY ARE AROUND TO APPRECIATE IT! That song and that album, and probably a dozen more or however many more and the one we're dealing with today have lead me to think that maybe it's time to give someone their flowers and not just for one sweet year that they gave us. It's been a really long time coming.
"Ah Mi Yard", like pretty much everything Perfect does these days, came partially via his own Giddimani Records label but this time it was in association with the actual producer of the set, I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings. I'm not going to attempt to run down the list (well I am, but I won't bother you by writing it out) (I'll do it in my head instead), but I have written SO MANY reviews, previews, re-reviews and other features on ZIK released material (and even about IGR prior to their linking with the Z and the K (more on them in a second) or at least prior to my knowing about it) (.... now that I think about it, I also wrote about the Z and the K before I knew about the collaboration as well) (you know what else came out in 2002??? "Culture Dem") over the years. Even with all the time we took off, between dealing with all of the various Akae Beka sets (still have one on my front page to finish, one of these days, for 'Mek A Menshun") and various other things, I don't know if there's anyone else on the planet who has written more about the ZIK than I have - especially given the way I usually write. I absolutely LOVE their work and it has been every bit as influential on what I write as the golden years of Xterminator which would birth the likes of Sizzla Kalonji which really got me interested in writing in the first place. CREDIT is due and I have no problem continuing to pay it.
In the midst of the Akae Beka albums and others from Perfect and a few other wonderful artists (some of whom we will be talking about today), the Zion I Kings have maintained a riddim album series which has been both plentiful and fruitful (both of those probably mean the same thing, I don't feel like looking it up to confirm, but what I'm trying to say is that the series has supplied both quantity and quality). With the very first installment arriving in the summer of 2013, eleven years later we're now at number ten! There have been some BEAUTIFUL drops along the way with that number one, the Songbird Riddim, being amongst the standouts. The Lifetime ["Put a fyah in deh!"], the Perfect Storm, the Mash Down, H.I.M. Teachings.... I could go on and there's ten (technically nine, because this is number ten), so I'd probably end up mentioning SOMETHING from them all and justly so. They have given us, fans of modern Roots Reggae plenty to be happy with in the series over the years. The most recent entrant of the series, the Mash Down from 2021 which I just told you about, came via the "Kings", Lustre Kings Productions, and they have been very successful in alternating the label behind the actual releases (which sounds like such a healthy way to do business between three different entities) and in 2024, next up is "Zion", Zion High Productions, who carries the bat for the brand new Full Bloom Riddim, volume ten of the Zion I Kings Riddim Series. I hadn't been aware that this set was even in the offering and it came as a very much welcomed surprise. Norris Man, Ras Shiloh, Etana, Ginjah and now the ZIK all do brand new albums within a week of one another (and I'm going to tell you about someone else, who appears on this one, also having a new studio album out on the very same day as the Full Bloom). This is a FINE time to be fan of modern Roots Reggae and it is only getting finer. Of course, as is the case with any compilation, one of the most interesting aspects of the Full Bloom Riddim is the artist selection. Here, we have a roster largely of artists who frequent the ZIK itinerary (probably a poor usage of that word, but I'm keeping it!) with one or two surprises along the way and some very unique blends of styles jumping from one name to another. They also, delightfully, cover the critique of mine which would have been - 'I wish they would have had this type of an artist'. They're all covered and what results is..... well, it's exactly what you expect. They've been doing this for a really long time. Let's get into it!
Just as important as the names voicing it is the riddim, itself. It's pretty damn difficult to have a good riddim album without a good riddim (you know I'm now going through my mind, trying to think of a riddim that I didn't particularly care for but, somehow, made for a good album) and that is not an issue here at all. The Full Bloom is typical, mellow and ultra easy brilliance from the Zion I Kings which makes for a more malleable and versatile backdrop for its vocalists to shine across (and we'll talk about that more, later). Surprisingly, I'm going to make the case that NO ONE shines brighter than Imeru Tafari, who opens matters on the Full Bloom riddim with the absolutely SHATTERING '1930'. TEARS! You may or may not know Tafari from his famous bloodline and he is living up to his heritage and more with a song like this. I use the phrase 'praising tune' to describe songs like this, generally and that is just what this is, but this is a PRAISE of the HIGHEST POSSIBLE CALIBER! Along with the historical facet it puts on brilliant display, '1930' also brings in present, modern-day application for what history has taught us and puts on a lyrical performance which is not to be missed!
"Haile Selassie give mi di mission and di battlefield
And Empress Menen give mi di formulas and strategy
No lose yuh sanity cause His Imperial Majesty-
Will help you overcome yuh trials and di travesties
MY MISSION IN LIFE IS NOT ONLY TO SURVIVE
DISGUISE DI TRUTH DEM IN LIES
I WANT YOU OPEN YUH EYES
THE KING AND THE QUEEN DEM WAAN FI DIVIDE
HAILE SELASSIE A LIFE"
When I heard this tune, it gave me the core idea for this review. There have been SO MANY times like this where I listen to a tune from the ZIK and it just... it floors me! I can go through albums full of them for the sake of nostalgia and just spend hours and hours HAPPILY enjoy the trip back. '1930' has just been added to that itinerary going forth (think I used it right that time). We go from The King of Absolutely Everything to The King of Fire as Capleton blesses the Full Bloom with the outstanding 'Hold Your Head'. Nowhere near as active as he once was (and that's perfectly fine), these days I don't take appearances from King Shango for granted and he makes it very easy not to because he is as dependable as ever. I don't think this is 'officially' the first time Capleton has worked alongside the ZIK (he was actually on "Culture Dem" but that was probably before ["CYAH EVEN SI DEM, WHOLE A DEM AH HIDE!"]) but it just may be and, regardless, I would LOVE if he made it a more frequent stop of his, even these days. Capleton has long been one of those individuals who has something which, perhaps, overshadows his talent. The ENERGY that man has brought Reggae has been unrivaled but, anywhere even remotely near his best and he's one of the most lyrically gifted lights the music has ever produced. Things stay easy here (for the most part, he does give us a bit of spite, here and there) on a big inspirational vibe which worked excellently for me and it still is. Micah Shemaiah is certainly no stranger to the works of the Zion I Kings and he returns to also have a bit of the Full Bloom via the infectious 'Dis Ya Rockers', turning back the clock to a sweet era of the music and doing so on a very fitting platform. Along with paying homage to yesteryear, 'Dis Ya Rockers' also does a great job of something that can be very powerful: HE MAKES THE LISTENER FEEL GOOD! 'Dis Ya Rockers' is soul food. It's really pleasing for the senses and it isn't in this kind of vacant way, either. There is substance here as well and I ended up coming back to this one quite often (and I still do), for good reason. Very soothing.
The Full Bloom Riddim carries tunes from four of my favourite current lyricists today and neither of them disappoint and turn up with big winners. First in, appropriately, is GRAMMY AWARD WINNING Kabaka Pyramid, with 'Start My Day'. I didn't recognize this track my name but when I got the very first taste of it, I started singing along with parts of it ["Besides you is the warmest place"]. It may've been the first sample of the forthcoming Full Bloom that we received when it dropped earlier this year. With seemingly the easiest of efforts, the Pyramid spends stretches of 'Start My Day' positively DAZZLING the listener. I'd call this one a love song, it basically is, and it's relatable as can be: 'Start My Day' is a song about the realization that you have found your PERSON and all of the wonderful feelings that comes along with it. Whoever they are and wherever you are with them, that's the person you need to be with and Kabaka Pyramid made a great song about it. If you've spent any time at all hanging around these parts, chances are more than decent that you know that I have been a looooooongtime staunch supporter of the lyrical prowess of Lutan Fyah as well and he's given me decades now of ammunition to show why. Here, he teams up with veteran Little Roy to push the SMOOTH 'Jah Can Count On I'.
"Like thief in di night, when all at rest
Everything calm and no one expect
JAH CALL AND DEM NO READY SO DEM WASH WID COLD SWEAT
And when di heavens declare, The Most High mek a step"
There is a BEAUTIFUL blend of MOODS on 'Jah Can Count On I'. The chorus, arguably the most intoxicating on the entire riddim, is so easy and relaxed but then the Fyah does kick in occasionally, bringing in a nice amount passion, giving the tune such a strong dynamic. Easily one of the strongest selections here as Lutan Fyah & Little Roy prove to be a MAMMOTH pairing (and forgive me for a second for being a giant nerd, but the ZIK have a history of bringing together very interesting styles on tunes for combinations and this isn't the only time it happens on the Full Bloom Riddim). My expectations went straight through the roof when I got to track #10, 'Greatest Thing', as the name behind it is another longtime favourite of ours and someone who has shown herself capable of downright DOMINANT lyrically, VI wizard, Reemah. On this track, she's simply giving thanks for waking up another day and being able to enjoy life. The song is a very basic (not really) CELEBRATION OF BREATHING and the artist, once again, continues to fuel rumours that she is.... either from another planet or from another era where they have time machines because this shit is just not normal:
"When I wake up inna di morning time
I grateful that I si di sun shine
GIVE THANKS FOR EVERY BIRD, TREE AND VINE
Count up mi blessings and a di more I find
Know that life is a precious design!
Coulda never unda none di dollars and coins
STILL APPRECIATE EVERY HILL WEH I CLIMB!
AND LIFE IS A GIFT FROM DIVINE!
Life is di greatest gift weh I know
AND LOVE IT A DI SEED AND THAT'S WHAT I SOW
So watch it and grow bigger than silo
Yeah, mi spread it from di UK down to Cairo
You no si a life - dem ah waste it
And when it gone, wi could never replace it
STILL AH SMILE THROUGH DI STRUGGLES WEH MI FACED WITH
AND IF A LOVE, WITH OPEN ARMS WI EMBRACE IT!
More life and a dat wi embrace
Haffi mek a choice and wi cannot hesitate
MINDSET AND OUTLOOK, A DAT FI RENOVATE
But it begin from within, so that first fi elevate
Got to focus on di positive
Cause life is there to teach, no matta what it is
YEAH. AND WHEN I LAY DOWN ALL MI BAGGAGES-
I SEE LIFE IS JUST BEAUTY WRAPPED UP IN DIFFERENT PACKAGES
Wi know life is di greatest thing
And I am grateful for the joy it brings"
WHAT! PARDON! EXCUSE ME MA'AM! Again [!], give thanks that you live in a time where you're able to hear 'a person' (or whatever she is) who is capable of doing things like this. Off the top of my head... I can't recall the Zion I Kings doing a full album for a female artist (there was an EP by someone who we'll be talking about in just a minute), if/when that time was to come, surely Dezarie would have to factor into that, but so would Reemah. A sharper pen in any genre of music that I listen to simply does not exist. Unsurprisingly, also making an appearance on the Full Bloom Riddim (he and Lutan Fyah have been on each and every riddim in this series) is St. Thomas supernova, Pressure Busspipe, checking in with the towering 'Ever Need'. Wayyyy back on the aforementioned Songbird Riddim, now nearing eleven and a half years old, there was a tune by the name of 'I Know' by Danny I (biggup Danny I). The very first words spoken on that song, "WHEN I HEAR THE SONGBIRDS, I THINK OF YOU", for obvious reasons, provided that track with its SIGNATURE moment for me. When you speak of the Songbird Riddim (or even if I just hear the WORD "songbird", in some other capacity), I instantly go in my head and start singing 'I Know'. I bring that up here because I'm not surprised if, a dozen years from now, someone says "full bloom" and I'm thinking:
"Jah love is all I ever need"
In its complete simplicity, Pressure lands what may just be the single mightiest blow on the Full Bloom Riddim; and thankfully (and predictably), the line is surrounded by typical brilliance praising His Imperial Majesty.
"This moment, I've got to say-
Life is amazing, it's what you make it
Every morning I meditate, so doing some good, as much as I could
I'm grateful for everything
We thank you, Jah, for restoring life
His mercy endureth for i-ver and i-ver
In His name, I rejoice
Jah love is all I ever need
The war and crime bring misery
Jah love is all I wanna see
Inna Zion, there is no poverty!
Got to live a little
With the life Jah give you
HAVE ALL THE CASH AND, WHEN IT GONE, CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU
Do so everyday, freedom is the only way
The negative will get you caught in the middle
DO SOME POSITIVE AND THEN YUH BLESSINGS TRIPLE
LOVE AMONGST THE PEOPLE NEVER COST A NICKEL
Fi yuh owna happiness, yuh responsible"
The highlights continue to roll through the Full Bloom Riddim and from many different directions. Certainly one of the most (and maybe even THE most) curious comes in 'Too Dread', a giant combination bringing together a pair of ZIK vets, Arkaingelle (will always give a massive credit to Arkaingelle for dropping one the single greatest tunes I have EVER heard from anyone, 'Manifess Joy') and Jalifa, as Guyana meets Trinidad. Back in 2020, Arkaingelle would release "Nuh Watah Down", a beautiful album (which would make for a really nice Vault Review someday), courtesy of ZHP and two years on, Jalifa would do the same with her EP, "Incient Ras"; so neither being here comes as a shock at all but it doesn't seem like an obvious combination at all and whoever had the idea is showing a bit sagacious planning behind the scenes, themselves (same person was probably responsible for pairing Norris Man & Pressure back in 'da day ["WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP, DON'T CRY TO ME! YOU WERE WARNED ABOUT THIS!"]) because 'Too Dread' is as sublime as it is colourful. What I took from this one is the importance of standing up for what's right, no matter the circumstances and if it 'invites' negativity from some others, or if some take "offense" to it, then so be it. I'll refrain (as much as I don't want to) from transcribing anymore lyrics in this review, but Jalifa BLAZES throughout, especially during her final verse ["Don't call yourself a lion. You're a frog"], while the Arkaingelle keeps us grounded. I wouldn't expect it to happen again -- I didn't expect it to happen this time -- but if these two.... wanted to make another tune (or two or three), you wouldn't get a complaint out of me. Earlier this year, Peetah Morgan from the famed and GRAMMY AWARD WINNING Morgan Heritage made his transition, but he has left us with years and years of works to go through and enjoy and dissect and his latest creation, 'Who Run The World', is a golden social commentary on the Full Bloom Riddim. Questioning the genuine 'super powers' of the world, Peetah suggests that IT isn't necessarily he or she is loudest of most visible (or who "hold a glock") but is, instead, someone keener on keeping a lower profile while things play out on the forefront. Peetah has (not had, he HAS) a very interesting voice. It has a really large PRESENCE to it and his music, inherently, stirs up some type of emotions in his listeners and when you put it together with such a well written and structured composition as you have in 'Who Run The World', the results are damn impactful and biggup Peetah Morgan.
The album for the Full Bloom Riddim released officially on the 19th of July, 2024. On that exact same day, another album by the name of "Feeling Irie" also launched on LTK20 Rechordz (now why would you spell it like that???). Besides a genre, both share the talents of the great Glen Washington. Here, the ever present ZIK fixture ["The joy! That Jah blessing brings"] stands up for everyone, everywhere and gives us 'Rights For Everyone'. I loved the way this tune starts combined with where it ends up:
"Open your eyes and see what Reggae music is doing for me
People are out on the floor, saying 'pull it up' and 'play it some more' "
[Last time, I promise] The Clarendon native goes on to speak about several different topics but the one I think that brings them all together is the idea of speaking up and speaking out when things are not right. That's what Reggae music does. That's what you do to bring honour to His Majesty. You don't allow corruption to exist and not say a damn thing. You make songs like 'Rights For Everyone' and if you can't do that, then you play it for anyone who will listen... or you write giant reviews and suggest that others take a spin. If you missed out on Kabaka Pyramid's 'Start My Day', then maybe the first time you laid ears on the Full Bloom Riddim came courtesy of Jesse Royal on the absolutely GORGEOUS and quite clever 'Love That Don't Change'. Do you have someone in your life, WHOEVER IT MAY BE who you know that you can just depend on, regardless of the situation. If you need any type of help they're there for you without question. 'Love That Don't Change' isn't a song about honouring that type of person or thanking them (though you should do both of those things. Right now and every chance you get). It is about BEING that type of a person for others. Being dependable and caring about your loved ones and demonstrating it at every opportunity. 'Love That Don't Change' is also golden. Along with the sentiment, it just SOUNDS divine. 'African Pride' also sounds nice (the song and just in general) as its star, MediSun, delivers a very slow and easy BURN in the name of the African Diaspora. MediSun also appeared on the Mash Down Riddim (with the blistering 'Hands Off') and if you've been paying attention to his output in recent times, you've noticed that he has been enjoying a FINE form over the past couple of years or so (and it continues. He has a couple of other new tunes, 'Extra Heavy' and 'Mek A Sound' which are also top notch). Still, with that being said, 'African Pride' ranks healthily alongside his very best as MediSun continues to prove himself someone difficult to ignore. 'African Pride', as someone of African descent, just hit me in so many nice places and I spend the vast majority of my time listening to it with a smile on my face as my default position. A definite highlight on the riddim and were it not for the fact that I've already put entirely too many lyrics in this review, I'd have no problem including blips from 'African Pride' as well, but here's a paragraph break so you can actually hear the tune for yourself.
"Like di lions in foreign cages-
Dem send di missionaries out to miseducate us
500 YEARS OF DI WHIP COULDN'T BREAK US
NOT EVEN DI ATROCITIES WI SUFFERED ON PLANTATIONS"
[I couldn't help myself] Swiss chanter and another returner from the Mash Down Riddim, Ras Teo, stops by the Full Bloom Riddim as well to teach us about 'King Lalibela' with a song that should have probably come with a warning of sorts. Teo's music, at least in my opinion, has an extremely straight-forward charm to it. For the most part, he seems to keep it relatively simple and when you have actual talent (and he does) and you make a sound like that, I think that it provides your music with a very OPEN dimension to the point where if you were to ask me which tunes on this riddim I would recommend for more casual listeners of Reggae, 'King Lalibela' would definitely be in that lot. The warning it would come with would be at the chorus. It is so simple and so nice but it will GLUE itself to your brain and it will not remove itself. It just won't. When you dig into the actual verses, you'll come to notice that much of the rest of the song (pretty much all of it) is also just as hard to shake as 'King Lalibela' is just one SWEET sound and it also has depth to it as a lovely. Speaking of lovely, also included here is 'Full Bloom Dub' and I'm not going to insult your intelligence by explaining what that is directly, but I will say that I always enjoy clean versions of tracks on riddim albums, particularly ones from the ZIK. I lack the musical education to explain exactly what I hear but I will say seems to be a staple of theirs is the amount of detail that goes into their work. I know that sounds ridiculous but what I mean is that when you listen to a clean track from the Zion I Kings as opposed to it with vocals (although sometimes you'll hear it there as well), the thing just BLOSSOMS. IT BLOOMS! It develops and reveals itself to be something more than you noticed originally. In this case, what always stands out is this lovely horn which is ever present but not domineering and when you take it in sans vocals, I'm now fixated what I presume is a drum (meaning it most certainly is not a drum) which almost sounds like a heavy-handed clap to my ears. You knew it was in there -- it's Roots Reggae music, it's always in there -- but DAMN does that thing grab you when you remove the vocalist as does the guitar work. I don't have credits for this one but biggup all of the producers and players of instruments who also do excellent work. I also want to mention that, when you do add the vocals, there seems to be a BOUNCE And I think here is a nice spot to give credit to the artiste as well. The cover art here so nicely fits the material. The Full Bloom blooms EVERYWHERE! It blooms on the countryside and it blooms in the ghetto!
Overall, unless I'm REALLY forgetting something (and there have been some very good ones in there) (.... like pretty much all of them, but some of them have been smaller) the Full Bloom Riddim is now my favourite installment of the Zion I Kings Riddim Series. From beginning to end, literally EVERYONE, performs wonderfully. There are some MIGHTY performances to be found here and I think this set does what a great riddim album (and just a great compilation, in general) should do, in my opinion: It makes you want more. It gives you an impetus to begin looking up some of the artists you may be un/under familiar with and, when you see the "Vol. 10" on the cover, you're probably going to want to see what was up with the first nine. The first nine were all superb but #10 is something a little more. The Full Bloom Riddim is exquisite, they always are, but its album is downright immaculate and it is so good that it lead me down a road to thinking of all of the wonderful times we've had in covering the music of the Zion I Kings. They have spent the entire time of their existence making a level of music that has very little in the way of actual peers. The Full Bloom Riddim album is the best compilation of Roots Reggae music I've heard in a long time and MAYBE the best the ZIK has done since "Joyful Noise". AMAZING!
'Never See Us Fall' by Marlon Asher & Sizzla Kalonji [VAS Productions]
First up this month is a tune which brings together two [THREE] very big names as Marlon Asher links up with the great Sizzla Kalonji.... on a Don Corleon produced track [!] for a big new tune, 'Never See Us Fall'. At the risk of becoming a 'prisoner of the moment' (what I care), I'm going to go ahead and say that 'Never See Us Fall' is the single best tune I've heard from either artist in a minute. On paper, such a combination is truly ridiculous and when you put a wizard at the helm what you expect becomes giant.... 'Never See Us Fall' is giant.
{Note: Wouldn't be surprised at all if Asher had an album forthcoming this year}
'No Competition' by Daman & Sara Lugo [Soulbeats]
Now look at this one and skip ahead one really quick and then come back.... after seeing who we started with (a combination featuring my favourite artist EVER... produced by, arguably, the greatest producer EVER) and you'll notice that music has been very good to me recently. The great Sara Lugo returns, herself on a combination, this time with an artist I have never come across by the name of Daman (who also produces), for the expectedly delightful 'No Competition'. For me, I took this one as a bit of a 'de-stresser' for life. The thought being that you're not living in a way where you're constantly pitted against someone or something else... EVERYTHING ISN'T OBSTACLE. A beautiful sentiment and one built atop a sweet riddim which has just a hint of old school Dancehall. A fantastic tune.
'Big Fraud' by Reemah [Feel Line Records]
I TOLD YOU! Also on my radars, as it has been for a bit now, is the latest (give me a second, let me confirm that.... yep, it's the latest) from the incomparable, the brilliant Reemah from out of St. Croix, 'Big Fraud'. The song comes via the same Feel Line Records with whom the chanter has been aligned with virtually the entire time since she's risen to prominence and it is of the same MAMMOTH levels that she's displayed.... virtually the entire time she's risen to prominence.
"Wi come to mash and trample every old scheme
Latest on di news is just another smokescreen
PUPPET ON A STRING A WEH DI PEOPLE VOTE IN
Push di dirt unda di table just to keep yuh nose clean
Meanwhile di things you do is contradicting
Di way you play two-sides, oh it sickening!
TO KEEP DI SHEEP POWERLESS, YOU KEEP INSISTING-
A REAL LION HEART WILL NEVA BE NO VICTIM"
The woman is simply on another level from the rest of us. She is evidence of something MORE.
The Wild Crocz Riddim [Swick B]
Probably the nicest piece of new Soca I've come across lately has been the Wild Crocz Riddim which [I THINK] was built by one Swick B from out of St. Vincy. The Wild Crocz is a BOUNCE. It's just all kinds of fun and to maximize the moments some truly big names are brought it. Skinny Fabulous teams up with Jab King, RIDICULOUSLY Problem Child & Lavaman vibe together for 'Doh Bother Me', constant duo Lil Natty & Thunda are joined by the always exciting Muddy ["If you think I ignorant then you hit the nail on the head"], while Keith Currency, Lyrikal and even Patrice Roberts go solo. Every single tune here is at least pretty good and, like I said, the Wild Crocz is VIBES!
"Ganja Man" by Linval Thompson [Irie Ites]
And finally this month, in the place of what is typically some random old set that has gotten my attention as of late is a vintage artist who may just hit vintage levels with his brand new body of work. The legendary Linval Thompson brings forth "Ganja Man" and does so with a pair of some of the most comfortable hands in the entire genre, those of Irie Ites which (presuming this goes up when it's supposed to) (nope! It was a day late) has just been released TODAY and has been dominating a large chunk of my busy morning. Just aboutanyone releasing an album with II is a really big deal but that becomes magnified several times over because it's literally Linval Thompson, more than half a century into his . Early impressions are good with 'What Time Is It' probably leading the way, but solid contenders come in the form of the title track, 'Marcus Garvey Says', 'Ghetto Youth' and one or two others. Thoroughly enjoying what I'm hearing at the moment and... I may just slap a review on this one in the next couple of weeks or so. Let's see. Eek-A-Mouse and Trinity feature.
Maybe because it's been awhile since we've last heard from her, or maybe you were unaware in the first place, but Reemah is a genius. Clearly, the esteemed Silly Walks agrees as they've tapped the Virgin Islands word scientist for their latest creation, the triumphant and flatly nommed Roots and Culture Riddim and she WELL rewards their work with the MASSIVE 'As Far As I Can See'.
"As far as I can see, the truth it must reveal
Because di system is a plague, people a get sick
DEM DUTTY LIKE A SEPTIC
As far as I can tell, they cannot prevail
And all di wicked dem ah plan could never work out
DI FYAH NEVA BURN OUT
From di people still ah suffer, bun a fyah mek it melt
Whole a dem a lyah, sell wi out fi just a cent
Neva care bout humanity and it evident
MONEY A DEM GOD BUT MOST HIGH A WHO WI REPRESENT
Hand inna di air and inna di water
Biological weapon a wah dem order
No si di countless millions who dem ah torture
FLY OUTTA BABYLON, WATCH MI DEPORT YA!
Inna di midst of psychological oppression, dem waan wi inna decline-
Inna deep depression
Cause di system got wi blind
CONSCIOUSNESS INNA REGRESSION
And di pressures got wi stressing, basically go use discretion
Wah mek di rich, alone, ah benefit?
And inna di ghetto, most of di people dem no well-equipped
POLITICIANS STOP DI BS CAH WI SMELLING IT!
RELIGION IS A POISON AND THEY'RE SELLING IT!
Pure genocide, dem ah seek
Nuff a dem a big parasite, dem a leech
Dem no got no love
Instead di war dem ah teach
DEM AH TRY SUPPRESS DI TRUTH AND SO DEM WHITEWASH AND AH BLEACH
Wi beseech dem
Cah money pile, you no si how dem ah stock it
ALL WHEN DEM AH STOCK IT, TEK IT FROM DI POOR POCKET
IF A POOR POCKET, DEM AH SEH A MORE PROFIT
FYAH BUN DEM AUTOMATIC!"
Grrrrrr! To my ears, as it has always been, that is a VERY RARE skill that Reemah possesses. The ability to both write it and then deliver it melodically is extra-terrestrial. She is existing in the stars somewhere!
And, in case you're wondering, Silly Walks also spread the R&C Riddim around just a bit, with Jesse Royal also providing his own excellent take atop it. Royal's old school saturated riddim title track is (fantastic) from years ago and, apparently, someone at the label realized [correctly] that they had a potential jewel on their hands and brought it back. Also, do not sleep at all on either 'Lift Me' or 'Jah Jah See' from Jah Lil and Inezi, respectively, as both are top notch efforts as well (especially 'Jah Jah See') (it's a little I Wayne-esque to my ears).
So, be sure to check out the latest release, 'As Far As I Can See', from the incomparable Reemah who is in her typical destructive form as the world awaits her next full length release; as well as the rest of the big artists on the Roots and Culture Riddim from Silly Walks when it drops on the 5th of April.
I have long developed a certain level of excitement and anticipation when it comes the music of one Vaughn Benjamin over the years which is unlike the feeling I get when looking forward to the works of anyone else. This is a vibe which is very much of the rare type of feeling that you used to get (or maybe still get) as a student who is actually eager to go to class on a certain day. Whatever the subject is, you're looking forward to learning more (I actually recall that happening far more at university than prior to that, when you had no control over what you learned and from whom) and you are also so very much looking forward to the METHOD of teaching. Will he be ever so slightly more direct? Will he meet you halfway or will Benjamin ultimately leave it up to the student ENTIRELY.
Another question you tend to have is who will he bring with him in order to get the message across. A group of his greatest and most fruitful of associates can be found within Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings who... we've covered extensively over the years in regards to working alongside Akae Beka and many other extremely talented artists (I was about to go into that more and then I realized that I've probably done that DOZENS of times by now) (and did it not too long ago in a still forthcoming review, actually), so when I saw that the link had been once again behind yet another project, I got EVEN MORE excited to hear it and then when we talk about the actual artists involved - that took "Glory" to an even greater stage 'I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need to hear this'. Well, I've heard it and if you have about half an hour or so, I'd like to tell you about what I think of "Glory", the latest release of the legendary Akae Beka.
Each of the four vocal selections on "Glory" features Vaughn Benjamin working alongside another vocalist and the first of the quartet is the very gifted Jamaican chanter Micah Shemaiah who (has an album of his own this year, "Jamaica Jamaica") displays his ample abilities all over the GORGEOUS 'Aqueduct'. I have had SO MUCH fun with 'Aqueduct' and it actually helped me take this write-up in the direction that I chose to in the end because what I took from the opener is that it is about the CONVEYANCE OF KNOWLEDGE and how important it is to give something to someone in a way that they can comprehend it and be able to have more of a chance to actually apply it and retain it after the lesson. When I arrived at that 'conclusion' (and I use that word only because it sounds like where it would fit in, but it is most certainly NOT a "conclusion". If you ask me what I think of 'Aqueduct' a year from now (or in twenty minutes) my "conclusion" may've shifted), I got this wonderfully loose image of knowledge transferring seamlessly from place to place and never actually settling at one final destination - like an aqueduct.
"OVERSTANDING COME, INNA DEGREES DIFFERENT FOR SOME"
Musically speaking, 'Aqueduct' comes through on one of those ZIK riddims that you listen to and enjoy, casually, but when you REALLY dig into them, you hear such a wide array of sounds and mechanisms that don't stand out unless you spend that extra time working with them. Unsurprisingly, it makes for a lovely dub and one which can lay a large claim to being the single best "Glory" has to offer altogether.
'Glory' featuring Kabaka Pyramid & 'Glory Dub'
Our title track here features Akae Beka alongside the genius and current holder of the Best Reggae Album Grammy, Kabaka Pyramid and the two deliver a lesson which is downright HUMBLING! This song is a potato chip - you CANNOT listen to it just once. No chance! Along with the message being delivered, 'Glory' is delightful to HEAR. Benjamin will never be the most melodic of chanters (you will find dozens of tunes by him which will have you wondering if he can even hear the riddim at all), but he is in a fine form on that front on this tune (coincidentally, if you'd like to hear another good example of a more musically aware Vaughn Benjamin, check a tune called 'Daughtaz And Sunz' from the "Livicated" album, another ZHP set) (I wouldn't be too surprised if those tunes were recorded around the same time, actually) and when the vocals are removed, 'Glory Dub' continues to SHINE! Something which does really stand out on the original track that is wonderfully interspersed (that actually is a word) (...unlike "subjectry" which I made up and LOVE to use) is a horn (and later a saxophone, I believe) and it's little things like that which really make for a LUSH sound on these type of tracks. 'Glory Dub' is BEAUTIFUL!
HOWEVER, it's just pretty damn impossible to ignore and not be impressed when someone erupts like THIS:
"Luminous beings in dis yah physical manifestation
All working together, participating inna creation
Guided by The King, the highest idea of initiation
Balancing di material and esoteric in the equation
STEPPING OUT OF ATLANTIS, WHO CREAT DI THE FIRST CIVILIZATION?
IT WAS A BLACK AFRIKAN INNA ITHIOPIAN MOUTAINOUS REGION
Stretching forth from Kemet to the Indus-Kush Valley through
THE EVIDENCE OF THE CULTURAL CONNECTION BEAR DI RELATION"
I mean... what... what do you do with THAT! That Kabaka Pyramid - he's a wise one.
'Son' featuring Mykal Rose & 'Son Dub'
I was pleasantly surprised to see the venerable Mykal Rose join Akae Beka for 'Son' and I don't know why exactly; it just didn't seem like a likely combination to come at any point, but after listening to it - I am damn happy whoever chose to attempt to bring these two together actually made it happen. 'Son' features such a powerful and almost addictive simplicity that I found myself listening to it not just because I enjoyed it or because I was trying to root out its meaning, but also because I just found it so comforting. For his part, Rose (who has been gifted with one of the most distinct voices that we've had in Reggae music) also thrives in the straight-forwardness of the moment and what you have hear is a nearly divine piece of music for the senses. LISTENING TO 'SON' MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD! That is a trait which well extends to 'Son Dub' as well as, although the its beginnings have more of a flare (I think that's a flute at the head of the tune), it settles into this ultra COOL vibe which dominates throughout its duration (you listen to it at ~2:10 or so, 'Son Dub' is in the STARS! It is so nice!).
'Still Small Voice' featuring Reemah & 'Still Small Voice Dub'
.....and then.... and then there's this.... thing. Were you to actually ask me WHO I would most love to hear make a song with Vaughn Benjamin, I'd come up with quite a few names. I'd name people like Luciano, Determine might be somewhere on that list and maybe even a wildcard like an Aidonia (because, why not!) (CAPLETON would also be there as well). Somewhere near the very top of my list would also be the brilliant Reemah and LOOK WHAT THIS IS! The downright SHATTERING 'Still Small Voice' brings together two of the greatest lyrical minds modern Reggae music has ever produced AND THEY DO NOT DISAPPOINT! I'm still working on this one (and that process will only end when I do), but where I am is that 'Still Small Voice' is about conscience.
"A still small voice, with principle speaking
OF WHY LOVE IS NEEDED
WHY LOVE IS NEEDED"
It's about that present tiny thought that we all have in the back of our heads that (hopefully) helps to steer us in the right direction when we have those moments of doubt. It is far too often overlooked (it comes with being flawed, which is what we all are), but IT IS THERE! Reemah puts 'Still Small Voice' to the sword and absolutely destroys everything everywhere with her contributions and, I have to say, virtually each and every time I hear her work at her absolute best, I have this feeling that we are listening to someone TRULY powerful and special. Musically, 'Still Small Voice' is interesting because it is so complex, to the point where you notice it even behind the vocals. The dub seems to be more streamlined at times, which is more of what you would have thought it would be and the mix ultimately does work.... as you knew it would for a dub of, easily, one of the best tunes of 2023.
You don't need a closing paragraph, don't act like you do! It's Akae Beka, it's Zion High it's the ZIK. That's all you need to know (.... along with all that other stuff I just wrote up there^) (that stuff is important as well). "Glory" is available now.
Okay so, wanted to quickly tell you about something which, I THINK, may've gotten delayed because I believe I recall seeing a couple of months or so ago being set to release (and either it did actually get delayed or the actual release date was just that far out). In any case, now set to release in just a few weeks from now is the latest project from the immortal Akae Beka alongside the flaming Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings, an EP by the name of "Glory", featuring four original tunes with their dubs. Similar (identical) works have come from both Glen Washington ("JAH Children") and Little Roy ("Woke Up") and now, WONDERFULLY, Vaughn Benjamin is up next.
The four tracks feature the accompanying work of four big artists including current Reggae Grammy holder, Kabaka Pyramid, Micah Sherman, Mykal Rose and..... someone.... someone named Reemah... on a song named 'Still Small Voice'.... hmmm.
Yep! 'Glory" has a combination between Vaughn Benjamin & Reemah! DAMN! I've actually heard quite a bit of this already (because JunoDownload puts up damn near entire songs as 'samples' and they always have) and it appears the be the heights of genius that you would imagine on such a pairing. Still, I'm well looking forward to hearing the full project as I'm sure you are and you can join me in listening as Akae Beka, Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings bring forth "Glory" on on the 11th of August.
